An Award Institutionalized exclusively for distinguished auto drivers who propagate the spirit of peace

IndiaCSR News Network

MUMBAI: For the first time in the history of India, ‘The World Peacekeepers Movement’ in association with ‘United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan’ (UNIC) and ‘Bangalore Political Action Committee’ (B.PAC) organized the ‘Peace Auto Awards – 2014’ on March 16 at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bangalore.

The ‘Peace Auto Award’ recognizes and felicitates auto drivers in Bangalore for their noteworthy contribution towards spreading peace among the general public in Bangalore through their significant service.

The award ceremony took place in presence of state ministers, corporate leaders, film stars and social leaders. Ramalinga Reddy, Transport Minister, Government of Karnataka was the Chief Guest at the event. Popular actress and model, Miss Ragini Dwivedi, the goodwill ambassador for Peace Auto also graced the occasion with her presence.

The ‘Peace Auto Award’ was awarded to twenty auto drivers in Bangalore; some of them were Raghu N, Murugesh, Ramachandra, Ayaz, Anil Kumar. The winners were chosen for seven categories such as ‘Best Auto Driver’, ‘Youngest Auto Driver’, ‘Highest Served Auto Driver’, ‘Auto driver in social service’, ‘Best story of Human Bonding’, ‘Best Volunteer’, ‘Honest Auto Driver’. Some of the winners were chosen based on customer feedback mechanism wherein the Peace Auto Drivers were monitored for their behaviour.

Post receiving the ‘Peace Auto Award’ (PAA) for ‘Honest Auto Driver’, Raghu N said, “I am extremely thankful to the World Peacekeepers Movement for granting me respect and appreciation through the ‘Peace Auto Award – 2014’. This world is such that good deeds are overlooked and unacknowledged. But after receiving this award, I feel excited about being recognized and awarded as the beholder of Peace in this community. The award is a motivation to continue to spread the peace values among the community and humanity.”

Handing over the award, the Chief Guest of the occasion, Shri Ramalinga Reddy said, “I greatly appreciate the idea of having an exclusive peace award for auto drivers to recognize their service to the general public. The Peace Auto drivers and particularly the winners have become role models to inspire the whole auto rickshaw drivers’ community.”

Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, the Founder of ‘The World Peacekeepers Movement’ and Anil Shetty, the CEO, are the brain-child behind the concept of ‘Peace Auto’ and the ‘Peace Auto Awards’. The concept was initiated in Bangalore on October 2, 2013 by launching seven Peace Autos. Today, about seventy-five Peace Autos traverse on the streets of Bangalore. Each ‘Peace Auto’ is canvassed on all sides with ‘Peace Auto’ branding and messages on peace and harmony. There is a mini-library of magazines and books inside each ‘Peace Auto’ that offers free reading service to its passengers. All Peace Auto Drivers are extremely well-behaved as they are provided exquisite training on stringently following traffic rules and handling unpleasant situations.

Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, Founder – ‘The World Peacekeepers Movement’ said, “Peace Auto was conceptualized with a view to develop the auto drivers’ community and improve the overall auto rickshaw service emphasizing on women safety and peaceful behavior. In the last five months, ‘Peace Auto’ established trust between auto drivers and passengers in Bangalore city. Women are finding the Peace Autos safe and reliable. We wanted to appreciate the Peace Auto Drivers for the outstanding revolution they have brought about in the city through their Peace deeds and that’s how we went a step ahead and hosted the Peace Auto Awards (PAA).”

Peace Auto documented several stories of auto drivers bonding with passengers and returning their mobile phones to any belonging they found in their vehicle. The concept received an overwhelming positive response even from tourists who often face problems with auto drivers.

On this occasion, Popular South-Indian Actress and model, Miss Ragini Dwivedi said “In this world of hustle-bustle, we tend to become selfish and insensitive to other people’s needs in our service to them. As a goodwill ambassador for Peace Auto, I am glad to inform that ‘Peace Auto’ has successfully brought the character of dignity of labor to the community. Peace Auto has established a remarkable bond of peace between the auto drivers and the passengers.”

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